Pittsburgh fires women coach Agnus Berenato

AP , Associated Press

Apr. 1, 201311:31 PM ET

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Agnus Berenato has been fired as the women's basketball coach at Pittsburgh.

Athletic Director Steve Pederson announced the move Monday night, a little less than a month after the Panthers failed to win a game in their final season in the Big East Conference. The university will play in the ACC next season.

Berenato had three years remaining on her contract. Pederson says a national search will begin immediately for a new coach.

The Gloucester, N.J. native was hired by Pittsburgh on May 1, 2003. She compiled a 161-149 overall record, with her best seasons coming in 2007-09, when the team made three straight appearances in the NCAA tournament, reaching the regional semifinals in the last two seasons.

"We have high aspirations for Pitt women's basketball and have witnessed the program achieving at impressive levels in the past," Pederson said. "As we begin ACC play next season, the time is right for a leadership change in the program."

Pittsburgh was 9-21 this season, including 0-16 in the Big East regular season. The Panthers season ended with a 66-43 loss to Marquette on March 8 in the conference tournament.

Berenato had a 64-111 Big East regular-season and tournament mark (.366). She has a career record of 444-413 in 29 seasons as a head coach.

"We thank Agnus for her contributions to the university and wish her only the best in her future pursuits," Pederson said.